German sportswear company adidas is partnering with the Parley for the Oceans to reduce marine plastic waste, according to Reuters.
Through the partnership, the companies have come up with a plan to develop materials made from marine plastic waste that can be used in adidas products. The company also announced that it plans to phase out the use of plastic bags at its 2,900 stores.
Plastic used in the consumer goods industry causes marine pollution with a “natural capital cost” — a measure of environmental damage — of at least $13 billion a year, according to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
adidas also plans to work with Parley, a group of artists, designers, musicians and scientists, to create fibers made from recycled ocean waste that can be used in its clothing, and possibly shoe uppers. According the report, Parley says the majority of marine plastic waste ends up in mid-ocean whirlpools, entangling whales, birds and turtles, and damaging the internal organs of fish.
adidas made these announcements in conjunction with its annual sustainability report, which detailed other efforts the company is taking to improve its environmental record, such as using more sustainably-farmed cotton and recycled polyester.
For more information, visit adidas.com. — L.M.
